WASHINGTON (April 22, 2016) – Climate change is a shared problem that requires a collaborative solution, and the National Farmers Union (NFU) is commending the continued progress towards environmental sustainability in observance of Earth Day.

“From farms and rural communities to urban centers across the globe, climate change affects our entire planet. Earth Day is an opportunity to strengthen our collective focus on environmental stewardship,” said Roger Johnson, president of NFU.

Family farmers and ranchers depend on natural resources to feed, fuel and clothe the world’s population. But, the noticeable affects of climate change, such as extreme weather volatility, are already affecting food production and global food security.

“Many producers have the ability to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also manage their operations to ‘sink’ atmospheric carbon. Climate change presents serious hazards to global food security, but family farmers are leading the way to climate resiliency,” Johnson explained.

Environmental stewardship and adaptation can help producers efficiently grow food as the climate changes, and Johnson is pleased to see a commitment to improving sustainability.

“NFU applauds recent efforts to keep the momentum building on meaningful action towards climate change mitigation – such as the historical Paris climate deal signed by President Obama and most world leaders last year, and USDA’s Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry,” he said. “We are hopeful this progress will continue and create additional solutions for change.”

Forty-six years after Earth Day was first observed in the United States, the environmental education and civic engagement of more than a billion people across the globe continues today. More information about Earth Day is available here.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.